A BOURNEMOUTH woman celebrated her 104th birthday with a tea party attended by the mayor of Bournemouth.

Edith Niblett, who lives at the War Memorial Homes along Castle Lane, was given cards and flowers to mark the special occasion, which, in her own words, she never thought she would see.

She also enjoyed a cake given to her by the mayor of Bournemouth, Cllr Rod Cooper, and the mayoress, his wife Elaine, and was kept entertained by visits from her friends and family, throughout the day.

She said: “I had quite a lot of people come and see me on the day, which was nice.”

She added: “I never thought I would get to this age, but I am still in full possession of my wit, and I’m very capable.

“I like to look after myself, and I’m pretty steady on my feet, so I can climb the 16 stairs in my home every day, although I have a live-in carer if I need them, in case I fall.

“I saw lots of people on my birthday and had a very, very nice day. I just hope to see another one.

“In my late teens, I had some gallbladder problems and the doctor advised me to take some good quality olive oil every day, which I still do now, so maybe that’s the secret to getting to 104-years-old.”

Peter Goodson, estate manager of the War Memorial Homes, says that Edith has lived on the estate for around the past 30 years.

He added: “I think she was pleased to see the mayor and mayoress of Bournemouth, and they made a huge fuss of her, which was lovely to see on her birthday.”